Rating System
(from best to worst)
Excellent, Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Above Average, Average, Below Average, Poor. Undrinkable
From Bottles to Growlers- beer reviews by SANDY FELD, certified taster
Elysian Maelstrom Blood Orange Ale

This is an American Strong Ale/Fruit beer at 7.5%.  It's a blend of
blood orange, Northwest hops and sweet orange peel. It opens
with strong smells orange-citrus, flowers, and light pine.  Taste
brings a nice hoppy bitterness with light malts  Notes of
grapefruit, caramel and biscuits throughout with a gentle
overarching orange presence.  Well made and interesting.

Overall rating:-  good
Ommegang Biere D'Hougoumont

This Bière de Garde comes in at 7.30% ABV. It opens with smells of  
orange rind, caramel malt, Belgian yeast and light grassy hops.
Flavors of maple syrup, vanilla, cherries, and pears are nicely mixed
with oakiness in the background.  Dry finish with lingering maple and
wood notes.  Active carbonation brings a nice mouthfeel.  Not much
wild yeast for the style, which to me is a positive.

Overall Rating -  Good
Having sampled nearly 4,000 different beers in my
capacity as a fully certified taster I can promise
honest, thoughtful, and careful evaluations.  However,
remember that these reviews are totally subjective.  
Consider this column an informative resource only.  
The bottom line is to trust your own judgment and
keep drinking!  

Sandy
Beers Reviewed
Elysian Valhalla Red IPA

Tastes as the name states - an amber IPA.  
Floral, citrus hop aroma with resinous pine
and a sweet malt presence. Hints of grass
and sticky pine needle along with citrus and
tropical fruit notes, notably grapefruit,
mango and orange peel. In the background
expect caramel malt and hints of biscuit and
hazelnut. Very drinkable at 7.5% ABV.

Overall Rating: very good
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